American Experience: Troublesome Creek - A Midwestern (1996)

Synopsis of American Experience: Troublesome Creek - A Midwestern

This documentary highlights the demise of the American family farm by focusing on the misfortunes of one family. Husband-and-wife filmmakers Jeanne Jordan and Steven Ascher returned from their home in Massachusetts to record a crisis involving the Jordan family's Iowa farm. The family has owned the farm since 1867. In recent generations, the Jordans have borrowed money from the local bank to work the farm. Now, Russell and Mary Jane Jordan owe $200,000, and the bank wants the money repaid. They are adamant that the farm must remain in the family, however, and they sell all of their belongings to pay off the bank so that they can give the land to their son Jim. After their home is stripped and their precious belongings are auctioned off, the Jordans move to a tiny house in a nearby town, but Jim keeps the farm -- at least for the time being. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

88 mins

Director(s):

Jeanne Jordan, Steven Ascher

Writer(s):

Steven Ascher, Jeanne Jordan

Producer(s):

Steven Ascher, Jeanne Jordan

Categories:

Documentary, Special Interest

• 1996 - Sundance Film Festival - Grand Jury Prize - Documentary
• 1996 - Sundance Film Festival - Audience Award

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